Definition

1. Noun:
   • A genus of coniferous trees in the family Pinaceae: Cedrus refers to a small genus of evergreen trees commonly known as true cedars. These trees are native to the mountains of the western Himalayas and the Mediterranean region. They are known for their fragrant, durable wood and their distinctive, often massive, growth form with broad, level branches.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Cedrus atlantica, or Atlas cedar, is a popular ornamental tree in parks.
  • The timber from Cedrus libani has been used for construction since ancient times.
  • True cedars belong to the genus Cedrus, which is distinct from many other trees commonly called "cedars."

Advanced Usage

• In botanical taxonomy: The term is used in the scientific classification of plants. The genus is placed within the family Pinaceae.
  • The study focused on the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Cedrus.

Variants and Related Words

• Cedar (n): The common name for trees of the genus (e.g., cedar of Lebanon, deodar cedar). Note: Many other trees with fragrant wood are also called "cedars" but belong to different genera (e.g., , ).
• Cedrine (adj): Of or relating to the cedar tree or its wood.

Synonyms

• True cedar: This phrase is often used to specify trees from the genus, distinguishing them from other trees with "cedar" in their common name.

Notes on Meaning

• The word is primarily a scientific/Latin name used in botany and horticulture. In common usage, the trees are referred to as "cedars." The key distinction is that refers specifically to the genus of "true cedars," which are not native to the Americas. Many New World "cedars" (like Eastern red cedar or Western red cedar) are actually species of juniper or arborvitae.

Noun

1. true cedars